Spiced Quinoa and Lentil Stew with Tzatziki
A hearty, protein-rich stew combining quinoa, lentils, and warming spices, served with refreshing tzatziki for a multicultural Australian twist. This middle eastern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs quinoa, lentils, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup lentils
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 cup tzatziki
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pot, sauté 1/2 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp coriander; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup quinoa, 1 cup lentils, 2 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 25 minutes until quinoa and lentils are tender. Stir in 1/2 cup tzatziki and serve immediately with additional tzatziki on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Quinoa and Lentil Stew with Tzatziki take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Quinoa and Lentil Stew with Tzatziki?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Quinoa and Lentil Stew with Tzatziki?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Quinoa and Lentil Stew with Tzatziki for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Quinoa and Lentil Stew with Tzatziki?
Middle Eastern vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
